WATERCOLOR WONDERS
This military wife created her own creative small business so she could take her job with her.
This military wife created her own creative small business so she could take her job with her.
Sometimes your circumstances help dictate your career. That was the case for artist Macaela Trapp, the watercolor painter behind MacaelaMade. “My husband was in the military, and I wanted a job that I could travel with and take with me wherever we needed to move,” she says. The result is a successful online shop where she sells prints, cards, stickers and even hand-painted earrings.
Painting has always been a passion for Macaela. “I’ve been painting since I was a little kid,” she says. “Watercolor is the one that stuck.” But being a small business owner is more than just the art. “Staying on top of social media is the hardest part about growing the business,” she says. “Being consistent is key if you want to grow, and there are just some weeks I don’t feel like showing my life online.”
But creating an online community means those people are supporters. “I’m so thankful for the faithful following I have though; it’s small but mighty,” Macaela says. “They really show up for me. I’m actually convinced I have the sweetest customers on the planet.”
Micaela’s most popular product? “My Coffee and Flowers series. It’s been so cool to see the series resonate with so many people! I love being tagged in everyone’s at-home coffee bars and brewing stations.”